February 7th was an important day for many senior Raiders to sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI). In fact, thirteen of fifteen student/athletes signed on the dotted line that day.
The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution. The NLI is an opportunity for student athletes to continue their education and playing the sport they love.
One of the signees, Tate Crosswait signed to play football for Northern State University. Crosswait is a Raider through and through, with both of his parents working for the school at some point.
With dad by his side, literllay on the sidelines coaching, his biggest accomplishment in high school as he moves onto his college journey was being the All-Time leading tackler in school history and record holder for the most tackles in one season. In addition, he was the only defensive player to be selected twice as an All-State football player for Stevens High School.
He has enjoyed his time at Stevens, but mostly his final year, “[m]y favorite thing about senior year is the class schedule and celebrating the accomplishment throughout high school”. But like most Raiders, his favorite thing is beating cross-town rival, the Central Cobblers. “Beating Central in any sport is always fun to do but beating them in your senior year is the best feeling of all”.
Like many other students, Crosswait said he will miss Stevens High School, his friends, the teachers, and the football games. “I hope that I left a legacy of leadership and hard work, If you have a dream, go for it and do not stop working until you get it. I hope that the young student athletes see this and continue to work to make Raider Nation the best it can be”.
Our seniors help guide the future of Stevens and they are doing a great job being role models to look up to, “chase your dreams, no dream is too big. Believe in yourself, work hard and strive to always be your best. You can do anything if you are willing to work hard”, said Crosswait.
The NLI includes 652 Division I and Division II participating institutions. Raiders will be going to 14 of those participating schools next year.